Know before you go: German Culture & facts

Guten Tag, fellow travellers! Are you planning a trip to Germany? Get ready to embark on a journey filled with rich history, charming towns, and, of course, mouthwatering cuisine. Before you hop on that plane, let's take a moment to explore the vibrant tapestry of German culture.

From Oktoberfest to the Autobahn, this blog will equip you with essential knowledge and fascinating facts, ensuring your visit to Deutschland is unforgettable.

Language

Did you know that in Germany, everyone speaks German? That includes both the standard version and all the different dialects! Did you know that the German state has recognized four minority languages? They are Upper and Lower Sorbian, Romani, Danish, and North and Saterland Frisian. Wow, with so many people immigrating, many different languages are spoken in the community, like Polish, Russian, Greek, Albanian, Turkish, and more!

Clothing

Nowadays, most Germans tend to wear Western-style clothing. Just a heads up: in a business setting, it's common for both men and women to wear dark, simple suits and shirts. That's fascinating! It's cool to see how each region of the country has its own unique traditional costumes. They all have their own special characteristics that make them different from each other. Did you know that in Bavaria, men wear leather trousers that end just above the knee as part of their traditional costume?

On the other hand, women wear a dress that includes a bodice, blouse, full skirt, and apron. Pretty cool, huh? If you attend carnivals or festivals, you might spot some folks sporting pretty cool costumes!

Religion

Did you know that in Germany, around 65 to 70 per cent of people identify as Christians? Out of that group, about 29 per cent are Catholics. It's worth noting that there is a Muslim minority in the area, comprising 4.4% of the population. As many as 36% of adults claim no religious affiliation, while another 18% identify with neither Christianity nor Islam.

Symbolism

It's fascinating how the symbols used in Germany have evolved over time, reflecting the various cultural and traditional changes that have taken place. Did you know that the eagle used to symbolize the Holy Roman Empire? It's pretty cool! The empire was split between two states after Prussia's victory over Austria in 1886. Just wanted to share that Martin Luther and some other significant people like Immanuel Kant, Johann Gottfried Von Herder, and Johann Wolfgang Goethe are often seen as crucial figures and symbols, but people have different opinions. That's awesome! The black, red, and gold flag is such a recognizable symbol of the country today.

Celebrations

It's worth noting that while Germans are often associated with being bureaucratic, they also know how to have a good time and enjoy life! The widely attended carnivals and festivals prove this statement best. It's great to see how both types of events bring so much joy to everyone! Cities really come alive with all the colourful celebrations and parties. Did you know that Carnivals have a rich history in Catholicism? Nowadays, people celebrate them by dressing up in fun costumes and masks and participating in lively street parades. There are various carnivals and festivals celebrating all spheres of life and joy.

Weddings are such special occasions! Did you know it's a lovely tradition for the bride to carry bread and salt on her wedding day? It's believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple's future food harvest. On the other hand, the groom is supposed to carry grain for good luck and wealth.

Art

Did you know that German art has had a significant impact on the development of Western art? It's been incredibly influential in Celtic, Carolingian, and Ottonian art. Pretty cool, huh?

Gothic-style paintings and sculptures were famous in Europe, including Germany. It's pretty cool! Wow, it's fascinating that the design of altarpieces was a significant highlight of the 15th century! Wow, German artists have a rich history of showcasing their talents in Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles! That's great! German art has a significant connection with Romanticism.

If you're interested in German paintings, you might enjoy checking out some of these famous works: "The Sin" by Franz Stuck, "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" by Caspar David Friedrich, "Studio Wall" by Adolf Menzel, "Heller Altarpiece" by Albrecht Dürer, and Matthias Grünewald's pieces.

Literature

Germany is definitely a top nation when it comes to reading. Did you know that Germany is home to the International Frankfurt Book Fair, the most important book event in the world? And every year, German publishers release around 94 thousand new books! Just wanted to share a fun fact: the first known book and magazine were printed in Germany. Pretty cool, isn't it?

According to Allensbach Media Market Analysis, 44.6% of the German population reads books at least once a week, and 58.3% buy at least one book yearly.

Work Culture

German work culture emphasizes community, timeliness, order, performance, thoroughness, and responsibility. These ideals have made Germany one of the world's most efficient and productive economies and continue to drive its work and business culture.

• German work culture stresses community and working together over individual goals. Workplaces value cooperation and teamwork.
• Germans emphasize punctuality and organization in all aspects of life.
• They value hard work and determination to achieve high performance and productivity.
• The country's high-quality products and services reflect its attention to detail, thorough planning, and systematic problem-solving.
• Germans embrace responsibility and transparency, encouraging them to make decisions that benefit their business and society.

 BONUS: Germans look after one another

One of the best characteristics of the German culture and people is their desire to look after one another. For example, misplaced items are from trees. If you're at a park in Germany or anyplace near a tree and observe something hanging from its lowest branch, it's a lost thing. Someone misplaced it, and the one who discovered it hung it on the tree. As a result, upon retracing their steps, the owner will find it easy to locate their belongings.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Germany offers a rich and diverse cultural experience worth exploring. Germany has something to offer every visitor, from its fascinating history and architecture to its world-renowned music, art, and literature. The country's efficiency, cleanliness, and love for nature make it a pleasant and convenient place to travel. However, it's important to remember that Germany has unique customs and etiquette, so familiarizing yourself with these before your trip can help you navigate the culture more smoothly. So pack your bags, immerse yourself in German culture, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Prost!